We are very fortunate to have such experienced staff – all specialists in their field – and we thank them for the time and effort that they put in to help every student achieve. Excellent exam results and delightful performances are in no small way due to the dedication of our staff.
Artistic Director
Rosemary Frost – A.R.A.D. (Reg. RAD) – M.S.F.D. - I.D.T.A.
Trained in Zimbabwe and at the Royal Ballet School, London, appearing in several productions with the Royal Opera Ballet at Covent Garden, Rosemary is an associate and registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance and a qualified teacher of Modern Dance (I.D.T.A.). She taught on the faculty of the College of Music and Performing Arts in Frankfurt, Germany and examined for the G.D.B.A. in Hessen. She also trained and coached the members of the Ballet Frankfurt.
Rosemary was a member of both the CAPAB in South Africa and the Frankfurt Ballet Companies and has performed many major roles including Odette/Odile in Swan Lake; Myrtha in Giselle; Sugar Plum Fairy (Nutcracker) plus works by George Balanchine, Jiri Kylian and William Forsythe.
After merging her own school with Ringwood Ballet in 1993 Rosemary became Artistic Director in 1995. In 2008 she was made a Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance.
Responsibilities:
As Artistic Director, Rosemary is responsible for all creative, artistic and teaching decisions within the group including decisions relating to syllabus and productions. She oversees the teaching staff ensuring that the quality of teaching remains high. |
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Classical
Susan Massey - R.A.D. (RTS) – I.S.T.D. – C.D.T.A.
The former Artistic Director of Ringwood Ballet Group, Susan is an experienced and highly qualified teacher having taught in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. She currently works with the RAD programme at the Victorian College of the Arts, and also teaches at seminars and workshops for the RAD within Australia. Susan teaches the Vocational levels at Ringwood Ballet, and brings her expertise to coaching senior students to the Annual Production. She is a life member of the Royal Academy of Dance. |
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| Janine Box – Dip. Arts (Dance), Dip. Ed., B. Ed.
Janine graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in 1982. She has danced with the Russian Theatrical Society and the Russian Folkloric Dance Company of Melbourne. She has performed a number of character roles (such as Widow Simone and an Ugly Step-Sister) for Ringwood Ballet. Janine is one of our classical teachers. Janine has a degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of Melbourne. |
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| Kirsty Ritchie - Dip. Arts (Dance) – B. Ed
Kirsty trained at Ringwood Ballet before joining the Australian Ballet School, graduating in 1989. During her time at the ABS she performed with the Touring Company appearing in many classical ballets such as Giselle and Nutcracker. Kirsty has completed her Bachelor of Vocational Education & Training and has been one of our Classical teachers since 2003 and currently teaches Character. |
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| Laura Frost – Diploma in Dance teaching and Management (TAFE) - M.S.F.D.
Laura began dancing at age 2 ½ studying classical, tap, jazz, and character. Laura won the SFD Outstanding Achievement Award in 2004. Laura has gained her Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management and also successfully completed the SFD jazz teaching certificate in 2006. Laura currently teaches jazz, tap and classical for us. |
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| Christopher Ead
Chris joins us this year to assist in the training of our senior boys. He will conduct conditioning classes, a boys class and a pas de deux class for the senior boys and advanced girls. Chris trained in Victoria before joining WAAPA, graduating in 2009. | |
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Tap
Terry Surtees – B.B.0. (Tap) – M.S.F.D.
Terry trained in the UK and is a qualified teacher of the B.B.O. and S.F.D. She is also a Tap examiner for the S.F.D. Terry has performed in Pantomime and also with the Whitehorse Musical Theatre. She teaches Tap at Ringwood Ballet. |
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Jazz
Ashlee Hodges – M.S.F.D
It is with great pleasure that we welcome Ashlee back to RBG as our senior Jazz teacher. Ashlee, a former student of this school, completed 3 years at VCA and has performed with Ajkun Ballet in New York and the Tasmanian Ballet in Hobart.
Melanie Coad
Melanie is a trainee Teacher and as such we welcome her as a junior jazz teacher. Melanie completed the RAD Advanced 2 exam in 2008 achieving a Distinction and passed the SFD Level 10 exam with Highly Commended. She is currently studying dance Teaching and Management at Box Hill TAFE and working towards the SFD Jazz Teaching Certificate. |
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Pianists
Laurice Boak B. Mus. (Melb. Uni.), M.I.M.T., L.Mus A (Theory) – A.Mus.A (Theory)
Laurice is our regular pianist playing for many classical classes and accompanying exam candidates in their RAD examinations. |
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Sarah Cossey A.Mus.A
Sarah joined the staff in 2007. Sarah is studying Music at Melbourne University and will accompany selected classes and exams in 2010. |
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